Local residents can now celebrate Australia Day in The Hills Shire with a range of COVID-safe activities and events.
These include enjoying performances from talented local buskers and entertainers while having a picnic at one of four parks in The Hills, as well as attending a flag raising ceremony, participating in a colouring challenge and much more to mark our nation’s day on Wednesday, January 26.
Celebrations will kick-off with flag raising ceremonies taking place at various parks and reserves across The Hills Shire, including the Centenary of ANZAC Reserve in Kellyville and at Castle Hill Heritage Park in Castle Hill, both happening a 8am. Meanwhile, the ceremony at John Benyon Rotary Park in Kenthurst will take place at 9.30am and a later commemoration is scheduled at Annangrove Park Sportsground in Annangrove at 11am.
This will be followed by Council’s signature Australia Day Vibes event, which includes live entertainment and performances at Bella Vista Farm, as well as at Castle Hill Heritage Park, Wisemans Ferry Park and at Annangrove Park Sportsground. Residents are also encouraged to pack a picnic, and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and musical vibes with their nearest and dearest. Coffee and ice cream carts will also be available at these locations, except Wisemans Ferry Park which has a kiosk open to purchase food from on the day.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said he is excited to celebrate Australia Day and is very pleased to see a variety of activities available to residents.
“Australia Day is a day of national pride and a day that symbolises ‘togetherness’. It’s also a time to acknowledge and give thanks to those dedicated community members who have contributed so much to the shaping of our Shire,” Mayor Gangemi said.
“It may be more challenging to celebrate ‘together’ in 2022, as we try and manage the spread of the highly infectious COVID-19. But, I believe we have come up with the perfect mix of activities that will help you get into the Aussie spirit this Australia Day.
“As well as the flag raising ceremonies and our signature Vibes event, I’m looking forward to thanking our unsung heroes at our Australia Day Awards on January 19. I’m also keen to welcome our newest Australian citizens at a special Citizenship Ceremony on Australia Day.
“I encourage everyone to come along to one of our events, support our local entertainers and have an enjoyable and safe Australia Day,” Mayor Gangemi added.
For those unable to make Council’s celebrations, an online colouring challenge is being run by The Hills Shire Library Service, with further details to be announced in the coming days.
The atrium at Council’s Norwest Administration Building will also be lit up as part of Australia Day activities.
Residents can also share the spirit of Australia Day by sending photographs of their celebrations through a QR code that will be available on the day at each event. Look out for your photos on Council’s social media.
Australia Day activities and events
Australia Day Awards
A special Australia Day Awards ceremony will be held to celebrate our local heroes. Winners will be announced across five categories, including Senior Citizen of the Year (65 years of age and older); Citizen of the Year (25 – 65 years of age); Young Citizen of the Year (24 years and under); Community Group of the Year; and Environmental Citizen of the Year.
Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony
A special Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony will be held at Council’s Norwest Administration Building on January 26. Up to 80 residents are expected to take the pledge and become new Australian citizens.
Australia Day Vibes
Live entertainment has been planned at four locations, including at:
- Bella Vista Farm in Bella Vista from 10am to 1pm;
- Wisemans Ferry Park in Wisemans Ferry from 10am to 1pm;
- Castle Hill Heritage Park in Castle Hill from 9am to noon; and
- Annangrove Park Sportsground in Annangrove from 9am to noon.
Residents are encouraged to pack a picnic and enjoy the live music.
Flag Raising Ceremonies:
Four flag raising ceremonies will be held this Australia Day and these include:
- Centenary of ANZAC Reserve in Kellyville: This ceremony is being organised by members of the Community Foundation of North Western Sydney.
- Annangrove Park Sportsground in Annangrove: This ceremony is being organised by the Annangrove Progress Association.
- John Benyon Rotary Park in Kenthurst: This ceremony is being organised by the Rotary Club of Kenthurst.
- Castle Hill Heritage Park in Castle Hill: This ceremony is being organised by the Rotary Club of Castle Hill.
For further details, visit The Hills Shire Council’s website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
